# Split a Beancount ledger into multiple files

A single Beancount ledger can span multiple files. [Splitting your ledger](https://beancount.io/docs/introduction-to-beancount) — for example, one file per year, per account family, or per asset class — keeps large ledgers organized and makes archiving old transactions straightforward. Beancount stitches the files together with `include` directives in `main.bean`.

Follow these steps to [create and manage additional files in the beancount.io editor](/blog/2021/09/24/multi-file-one-ledger):

## Create a new file

Go to [the file editor tab](https://beancount.io/docs/Tips/ui-features) on the left navigation sidebar. Open the "File" dropdown and click "Create a new file".

![File > create a new file](https://beancount-io.b-cdn.net/multi-file-one-ledger-0.jpeg)

## Name your new file

Give the file a valid filename and save it. Every filename must end with `.bean`.

![Name your new file](https://beancount-io.b-cdn.net/multi-file-one-ledger-3.jpeg)

## Include the file

**This step is required**: include the newly created file in `main.bean`, or its entries won't be part of the ledger.

For example, if you added `stock.bean`, add `include "stock.bean"` to `main.bean`.

![Include the file](https://beancount-io.b-cdn.net/multi-file-one-ledger-4.jpeg)

## Include a managed price feed

Hosted Beancount.io can also resolve a supported price URL as a read-only virtual file. Use the [Live Prices picker and setup guide](https://beancount.io/docs/live-prices) to choose feeds and paste their includes into a file your ledger loads. Managed prices are not editable files created through this workflow. Upstream Beancount and Fava need local price files; compatible `bea` versions have separate managed-include support.

## Refresh and navigate to the file

Refresh the page, and the file appears in the "File" dropdown.

![Refresh and go to file](https://beancount-io.b-cdn.net/multi-file-one-ledger-5.jpeg)

## Rename or delete the file

With the file open, rename or delete it from the "Edit" dropdown.

![Rename or delete the file](https://beancount-io.b-cdn.net/multi-file-one-ledger-8.png)

## Having trouble?

Ask questions in the [Beancount Telegram group](https://t.me/beancount).